US Department of Labor announces nearly $190 million in State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants for green jobs

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced nearly $190 million in green jobs training grants, as authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants are designed to teach workers the skills required in emerging industries, including energy efficiency and renewable energy. This set of green grants is the third awarded in as many weeks by the U.S. Department of Labor. Less than a month into 2010, the department's investment in this growing area of the job marketplace is close to the $440 million mark.

"These grants will help workers gain access to good jobs, while supporting the sort of statewide energy efficiency strategies that play a crucial role in building the green economy of the 21st century," said Secretary Solis.

Thirty-four awards ranging from approximately $2 million to $6 million each are being made to state workforce investment boards in partnership with their state workforce agencies, local workforce investment boards or regional consortia of boards, and One-Stop Career Center delivery systems. Through the grant awards announced today, program participants will receive the technical and occupational skills necessary to obtain industry recognized credentials.

These grants are designed to achieve the following goals:

Create an integrated system of education, training and supportive services that promotes skill attainment and career pathway development for low-income, low- skilled workers leading to employment in green industries.

Support states in implementing a statewide energy sector strategy including governors' overall workforce visions, state energy policies and training activities that lead to employment in targeted industry sectors.

Build and strengthen partnerships dedicated to building a skilled clean energy workforce.

Develop new partnerships with other agencies receiving Recovery Act funds to support strategic planning and implementation efforts.

Dislocated workers, individuals with criminal records, individuals with disabilities, individuals who are homeless, veterans, former foster youth, young pregnant and single mothers, individuals receiving public assistance and other low-income individuals

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development

New Jersey

Middlesex and Union

$6,000,000

Out-of school youth, adults with limited basic skills, individuals with criminal histories and individuals with disabilities

New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

New Mexico

N/A

$5,999,989

Incumbent workers, unemployed workers, women, veterans, military spouses and high school dropouts

North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development